Owning Your Shine
This episode features a recent amiga I made while in Nashville last year on a girls’ trip for my birthday.
One thing that struck me about Nashville was the beautiful, friendly energy the women there emitted. They were exceptionally generous with their smiles and compliments, and my guest Jessica Dinan (and her friend, Alexis) are perfect representatives of that southern charm.
My friend Julie (whom I interviewed on episode 16) and I met Jessica and Alexis at this rad “speakeasy” in Nashville. Get this: to access this place, you knock on the side door in a dark alley, and then wait for a guy to let you in (one person/group at a time). Upon entering, you’re greeted with dim lighting and a cool, artistic vibe. You wait in a lounge area until someone comes and chats with you, asking you questions and getting to know you, to create an artisan cocktail tailored to your tastes and personality (he nailed it, btw - fresh and spicy, just like I like it!).
We ended up sitting next to Jessica and Alexis and forming a fast, easy connection, bonding over girl power and good vibes, and celebrating each other’s accomplishments.
Of course we all became Instagram buds, through which we stay connected, and I was psyched when Jessica agreed to come on the pod.
In this episode, we chat about owning your shine. Clapping for others AND yourself. Realizing there’s plenty to go around. Jessica shares how ambition, action, resilience, and hard work yielded professional and personal success.
It’s a fun, refreshing, empowering conversation.
xx,
-w-
Keep It Simple
In this episode, I sit down with Darren Hansen for a dynamic, fun, and informational conversation. Darren is the owner and head coach of Hansen Athletics, where he and his coaches deliver customized strength and conditioning training to not just athletes, but anyone who wants to be their best self. As Darren highlights, the physical aspect is only part of it. True self optimization happens by showing up for yourself, getting your mind right, dialing in your rest and nutrition, knowing your power, and keeping it SIMPLE.
This episode offers something for everyone, regardless of your current fitness level. If you’re a human and are interested in leveling up and FEELING good - this is for you.
Darren is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, has a BS in Exercise Science, and is a certified USAW-National Coach.
Find Hansen Athletics:
Blog/apparel/podcast: www.hansenathletics.com
Instagram: @hansenathletics
Facebook: HansenAthletics
YouTube: HansenAthletics
HansenAthletics Podcast: Spotify | iTunes | website
Find Darren:
Instagram @coachdarrenh
Twitter @CoachDarrenH
EmPOWERment
What a powerful and illuminating episode this is! Parris Hodges and I go wide and deep in this wide-ranging and transformative conversation. Parris is a remarkable and inspirational human who has overcome a great deal and is committed and exceptional at empowering not only herself, but others. I applaud and appreciate her willingness to share as openly as she does, and she does so to connect with and help others.
We discuss identifying and understanding the stories we tell ourselves, taking ownership of our lives and healing, accessing our power, reframing situations and extracting value, soliciting feedback, detaching from things beyond our control, embracing shadow work and growth, and finding joy through it all.
Parris radiates light and love and is someone with whom I connect on the deepest of levels. Our lives and experience are vastly different yet eerily parallel, which just goes to show how connected we all are, no matter the individual journey.
I hope you find this valuable.
Thank you for listening.
xx,
-w-
You can find Parris on Social Media:
Instagram: @parris.hodges
Facebook: Parris Hodges
Let's Get Physical
Photos by me
When it comes to fitness, how do I know when to power through and when to rest? How do I know if I’m doing too much? Is it possible to actually like working out? What are tips for staying motivated? What are aspects of fitness I might be overlooking? How can I feel better as I get older?
If you’ve ever had these questions, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse Jen Simmons of Jriven Fitness to address these and so many more! Jen has many certifications, among which are: NASM CPT; LPTA; USA Level 1.
And we don’t just restrict it to the world of working out. We also discuss business, goals, and inspiration - like how Jen decided to go for it and open her own gym (which has been a smashing success).
It’s a fun, free-flowing, motivational, and knowledge-packed conversation that leaves you feeling PUMPED.
You can find Jen:
Instagram:
@coachjensimmons
@jrivenfitness
Website:
www.jrivenfitness.com
Connecting with Yourself and Others
Images by Tara Tracy Photography
In this episode, I sit down with a soul sister of mine, Brianne Sloan. Though our conversation was diversified, a common thread tying it all together was connecting with others and with yourself. This includes personal empowerment and interpersonal empowerment, through loving and respecting yourself and others and taking action. We discuss body neutrality, life lessons, and how to be a nice human.
She is a multi-faceted creator and connector. As the founder of the Women’s Networking Group, she “approaches networking differently, relaxed and intuitively.” (You know I’m all about living intuitively!) As a photographer and artist, she offers a beautiful and unique perspective on the world, its beauty, and its beautiful people. As a mother, she nurtures love, curiosity, and empathy.
Bri is a force in every way. She’s remarkably talented, she’s driven, she’s strong (mentally and physically), she’s empathetic, she’s intelligent, she’s accomplished, she’s fun, she’s generous…I could keep going for dayzzz.
We invite you to listen in on our wide-ranging discussion, and feel inspired to show yourself and others some L O V E.
Find Brianne on Instagram: @brisloanphotography || @thewomensnetworkinggroup
or on Facebook: @Brianne Sloan || @The Women’s Networking Group
x,
-w-
Respecting Yourself
In this episode, I sit down with fellow high viber Caren (pronounced sair-en) DeCesaris.
Caren and I first connected when she contacted me on Instagram and asked me to be her first guest on her own rad podcast, SoulSpeak (check it out meow!).
In this episode, Caren opens up about her journey to self empowerment, respect, and love. She shares her history with disordered eating and how she found her way back to honoring and connecting with her body.
It’s a deep yet light-hearted session, and one I think you’ll really enjoy. (Plus, she has the melodic voice of a Disney princess, so there’s that).
You can find Caren:
On Instagram: @carendecesaris
On iTunes: SoulSpeak The Podcast
Online: http://www.thesoulspeakco.com/
Peace and blessings,
-w-
Honest Living and Loving
Images by Whitney Richardson Photography
In this relatable episode, I sit down with Gage Horne, a stellar videographer and all-around solid guy. (He also shot my brand video for The Nativist.)
We hit multiple topics, but the common threads are honesty and authenticity. We discuss how to have the hard conversations with your partner and yourself (this part might surprise you) and how to bridge communication gaps and eliminate walls with others. We also advocate the strength demonstrated by expressing your emotions, and the importance of reliability.
Find Gage at:
https://www.gagehornestudios.com/
Instagram: @gagehornestudios
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8vLKFQk507EpJGP83YNRw
Facebook: Gage Horne Studios
Permission to B E
This episode is for you if:
You feel lost without a passion/purpose
You feel burned out
You feel sick of people/SOCIETY urging you to hustle/push hard/find your passion/get that “bread”
You feel ashamed/guilty for being satisfied with the “simple life”
If you relate to any of the above, I dedicate this episode to Y O U.
-w-
Mental Notes: The crucial conversation about mental health
This is a particularly powerful episode, and one I’ve wanted to do for awhile. I sit down with Sydnie Hammon, who bravely shares her story on living with anxiety and depression, as well as the aftermath of her recent suicide attempt. In honor of Suicide Awareness Month, we tackle the stigma-saturated subject of mental health - a topic that is increasingly relevant and important.
This is an episode for everyone, as mental health affects every single one of us. Comprehensive health includes mental health. Even if you personally have not experienced mental illness as of now, you likely know someone who has/does/will. And this episode isn’t just about mental illness, it’s about mental health in general, and how to nurture it.
We discuss contributing factors, possible red flags, and helpful resources. We offer guidance on holding space for others and yourself, what/what not to say to those facing tough times, and how to love yourself and others through it all.
Please - I strongly urge you to listen. And Sydnie and I are always always here for you if you need.
Find Sydnie on Instagram at @sydniiieee
Resources:
Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7
Chat or call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
National Institute of Mental Health
Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741)
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav
Love you all,
-w-
Baring M O R E Whitness
This is the second part to the two-part Baring Whitness podcast episode where I sit down with my amiga Veronica and answer whatever questions she throws my way.
The rawness continues. We hit a range of topics, including my biggest fear (it’s a little unconventional), my game changers, and how I achieved the mindset I have now.
Hope you enjoy.
xx,
-w-
Find Veronica on Instagram at @veronicasidahome
Baring Whitness
This two-part series is unlike any of the previous episodes. This time, I’M in the hot seat and answer questions from my gorgeous friend Veronica (even her name is hot). I get RAW and let you in to the inner world of Whitney Richardson. I share the reason for starting the Nativist, what intimidates me, what I struggle with…and SO.MUCH.MORE. I reveal things I’ve never shared before - not even with my closest amigos. I “bare” all and bear “Whitness.”
This is Veronica’s first time interviewing and I think you’ll agree…she’s a N A T U R A L. She suggested the interview, brought the heat with the questions, and knocked it out of the park. Peep her on Instagram at @veronicasidahome.
xx,
w
Model Behavior
In this episode, I interview model Janiah DeLancy, an old soul whose spirit matches her beauty.
In our conversation, we go below the surface and dive into the depths. Janiah shares how she broke into the biz, what it’s like working with other models, how she stays grounded in a profession focused on looks, and how she didn’t take “no” for an answer. If you’re craving inspiration on resilience, nerve, and motivation, this is for you. And if you’re wanting a kick in the pants to make your dreams happen, this is especially for you!
The Silhouette of Fear with Thunderstorm Artis
Thunderstorm Artis
He’s an old soul with new music. Everything about Thunderstorm Artis emanates depth and soul, from his name to his music. When I first heard him sing, I stopped what I was doing and lost myself in it for a good 1/2 hour. He’s that good. He took time amid his traveling and touring to share his cool story and talk life. We dig into everything from reframing your fears to connecting with others to facing your shadows to impacting the world to developing your voice (in more ways than one).
My guess is by the end you’ll feel both zen and motivated. What more could you want?
Find him on YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram (@thunderstormartis). You can also find some of his music under his brother, Ron Artis II on Spotify. Thunderstorm has an EP album, Haunted.
L O V E in the H E A R T and F I R E in the S O U L
Images by Brooke Richardson Photography
For this episode, I sit down with one of my favorite people in this universe: Julie Bixby. Having immigrated to the US from Romania, Julie has a dynamic story and spirit that pull you right in. As a mother, wife, boss babe, and free spirit, Julie continues to dominate whatever life tosses her way, all while looking fabulous and elevating others. This is a wide-ranging conversation on love, life, humanity, and authenticity. As you’ll find at the end, it inspired my phrase: Love in the heart and fire in the soul.
Balancing Your Money and Life with Jackson Wood
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Life is about balance.
I sit down with money guru Jackson Wood to discuss how to be financially responsible while still, you know…LIVING LIFE.
If you want to be smart with your money without compromising on the pleasures in life, this is your jam. Prepare to be monetarily motivated.
You can find Jackson Wood at:
Website: https://liftoffplanning.com/
Instagram: @jacksonwoodhq // @whatsupwoods
Youtube: youtube.com/whatsupwoods
Passion and Authenticity with Carlie Stylez
Photo by me (Whitney Ann Photography)
I sit down with my long-time friend and mega boss babe Carlie Stylez to reminisce and talk about...L I F E. About being propelled by drive and ambition. About being empowered by self evolution and self love. About being fulfilled by passion and authenticity.
Carlie shares her life's journey into vlogging, social media influencing, and motherhood, and how living in the spotlight affects her personally and professionally. Getting her start on her brother Shay Carl's YouTube channel, Shaytards, Carlie has since come into her own, forging a name for herself via her own brand and her involvement with The Mom's View YouTube channel. With her hand in multiple (successful!) business ventures, Carlie knows all too well the elusive quest for balance as she juggles being a mother, a wife, a friend, and an individual.
As always, we get real and we get deep, and we have a bangin' good time doing it.
You can find Carlie on:
Instagram: @carliestylez // @carliestylezbeauty // @fitnez_with_stylez // @whatsupwoods //@themomsview
YouTube:
Getting Animated and Finishing the Thing with Jason Brubaker
Images by Whitney Ann Photography
In this episode, I sit down with Jason Brubaker, a remarkably talented digital artist, graphic novelist, self-published author, and YouTube personality. Jason is at the top of his game, having worked for DreamWorks Animation on such films as the Kung Fu Panda trilogy, Blade, Pitch Black, and Van Helsing, The Croods, Penguins, and Captain Underpants. After almost 20 years in Hollywood, Jason decided to leave and focus on his own graphic novels full time in 2015, for which his thousands of devoted fans are grateful. His first book reMIND won the Xeric grant and got on the Great Graphic Novels for Teens List in 2012.
During this inspiring conversation, Jason speaks to the vulnerability of creativity and originality, the importance of discipline and consistency, and the power of initiative and self belief. Jason shares how resiliency and focus have led him to a life doing what he loves.
Even if you’re not a wildly successful artist like Jason, trust me - this episode will still resonate with and inspire you.
You can find Jason at the following:
Instagram: @jason_brubaker
YouTube
Website: http://CoffeeTableComics.com Online Store: http://ctc.storenvy.com Gumroad Store: https://gumroad.com/jasonbrubaker Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JasonBrubaker Twitter @Jason_Brubaker Instagram: @Jason_Brubaker Read Sithrah: http://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/sithrah/list?title_no=524 Read reMIND: http://reMINDblog.com
Join his mailing list: http://forms.aweber.com/form/83/537144983.htmFlu
Just Do It
She’s a doctor of nursing practice and a nurse practitioner. She’s a mother and wife. She’s a college professor and fitness instructor. She’s a business woman and social media personality. She’s a high viber and manifester.
And underneath all of that - she’s just a grounded, cool, down-to-earth chick.
Dr. Nikki Knight and I sit down to gab about the challenges of juggling multiple obligations, the power of goal setting, and the magic of vision boarding - all while keeping it real.
She shares the wild success she’s had merging conventional medicine with natural healthcare by treating her patients (and family!) with essential oils. If you’ve previously dismissed essential oils as woo woo and non-effective - I’ll be shocked if this episode doesn’t change your mind.
We have some fun and talk some truth. It’s a good time.
You can find Nikki on Instagram at @nikki_glo and at her blog (link in her Instagram bio): linktr.ee/nikki_glo
Contact her for all of your doTERRA essential oil needs!
Flipping for Excellence
I sit down with Justen Millerbernd, the most decorated tumbling coach in USA gymnastics HISTORY. Yeah, he's that good.
As with most of The Nativist podcasts, this episode is free ranging and fun loving. We discuss everything from discipline and inner drive to empathy and acceptance.
As an insider in the gymnastics world, Justen reveals his take on the recent scandal and how he maintained his integrity and spoke his truth, even if that meant standing alone.
Not only does Justen share his experience of launching into gymnastics greatness (as an athlete turned coach turned gym owner), but also his general approach to living a life of purpose and heart.
Justen currently owns Revolution Sports Center in Pocatello, ID.
Be Polite. Pick Up Garbage.
He’s baaaack, dropping even more truth bombs and life inspo.
Brady McLean (@bradytildeath on Instagram) and I cover some major ground in this wide-ranging, free flowing, off-the-cuff conversation.
The good news is, this time the episode with him is only an hour.
The bad news is, this time the episode with him is only an hour.